Chapter 238 – Medicine Completed
Since Northern Qiang had gathered its forces yesterday, there had been no movement for half a day. No one knew what kind of strategy the so-called god of war of Northern Qiang was preparing. Although Northern Qiang held back, Zhou Tong could not let his guard down. Thus, the city walls maintained a state of maximum vigilance at all times.
Even though everyone understood this was the best time to attack Liangzhou Prefecture, Yelü Zhige still showed no intention of deploying his troops. This displayed the immense prestige the Grand Marshal commanded. Not a single soldier in the Northern Qiang army questioned his actions, as if all were convinced that the Grand Marshal had his own plans.
The next day, as the sun began to rise, Zhou Tong got out of bed. He had slept all night, fearing that Northern Qiang might take action under the cover of darkness.
After waking himself with a splash of water, Zhou Tong hurried toward the city wall. As he stepped outside, he bumped into Jiang Chao, whose weary demeanor mirrored his own.
"General Jiang." Zhou Tong cupped his hands in greeting.
Jiang Chao nodded back and said urgently, "Lord Zhou, scouts just entered the city, they report that External Prime Minister Qi is only twenty miles away."
Zhou Tong was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed. "Is this true? The heavens have not abandoned us! Liangzhou Prefecture is saved!"
Jiang Chao continued, "External Minister Qi is approaching from the north..."
"The north?" Zhou Tong asked in alarm, "Wouldn't that mean running straight into the heart of the Northern Qiang forces?! Why didn't the External Minister take a detour?"
Jiang Chao gave a wry smile. Zhou Tong frowned deeply and muttered to himself, "Could it be... the External Prime Minister intends to crush the enemy against our walls? How can that work?! Those troops are surely exhausted from days of marching, while the enemy, having rested for half a day, is in their peak condition. This battle cannot be fought!"
Jiang Chao waved his hand. "Lord Zhou, say no more. Do you think External Minister Qi would have overlooked such details? Marching from the north was done under his deliberate order; he must have his plans. All we need to do is fulfill our own duties. If a battle does break out, we must provide immediate support and flank the enemy with the External Minister’s forces."